Dutch director and choreographer Shay Latukolan reimagines ‘West Side Story’ through a cast of dance talent in London for the short film “The Westhoodstory.” Set to Willie Bobo’s 1965 classic “Spanish Grease,” this five-minute dance film follows a young woman who makes a striking entrance into a dance hall, turning every head in the room and sparking a lighthearted rivalry as the men compete for her attention. When she chooses Maxi, the local nerd, over his more confident rivals, the rejected suitors are spurred back onto the floor in search of a connection of their own. Told through sharp, economical choreography, the film compresses an entire story into just a few minutes, layering in fully formed characters despite its short runtime. Its 1960s-inspired wardrobe and atmosphere nod to the era, while the overall feel stays distinctly modern.
